How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

A freind had mentioned the surgery to me because I was so down on myself all of the time. The first time I heard of the procedure I thought it was crazy!

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

My surgeon and his staff were very helpful in contacting my insurance company. I think if this is something you have been dealing with all of your life and it is a health concern or could lead to worse conditions. Keep on the insurance companies.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

I was very nervous, I had a list of questions and concerns for my surgeon. The minute he came in I forgot everything. Having someone go with you or making a list of questions would be a good thing to do.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There were certian people in my life that would make comments about my weight, or people would look right through me. I wanted to be happy and feel good about myself, I just needed help.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked it over with my surgeon and he gave me options and his opinion

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I had so many fears, I knew for sure I was going to die. I am a big chicken, I have children so I was afraid. I thought many times about the surgery being worth my children not having a mother. You take care of yourself before surgery and do what your told. It is very scary but you will enjoy the new you!

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

Many of my friends and family tried to talk me out of it, the did not belive I would go through with it. My family was very supportive after the surgery and you need that support!

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I am a student and I took five weeks off of school to have the surgery. At first they were not to thrilled about me leaving but they were happy when I came back.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My stay at the hospital ws good. I did not like being away from my children. The nurses and staff at my hospital were so kind and sympathetic. I wish I could have brought them home with me. I think the most important thing to take is a picture of a loved one. I knew I was going to be healthier for my children and I took their pix with me.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I had no complications.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was very nervous and could not believe it was actually going to happen. I just kept thinking of the new me. How my surgeon and councelor mentioned I will never be that size again.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

It was hard, I was glad to be around family. Honestly all of my family have weight issues and it was hard watching them all eat when I could only have liquids. Your body goes through a major change and eventually it realizes what its supposed to do and everything works out well.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

At first I could only have liquids like broth and water. I had a hard time just with certian smells of foods. Then soon after that I would eat very soft foods. I do not eat any sugar, breads. I eat a lot of soft veggies and no meat. Some weeks I can have some fruits and some weeks I can't handle them. I just listen to my body and it tells me what I can and can't have.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I was up and walking the night of my surgery. When I got home I walked but I could not figure out why I would feel so sick to my stomache. I had to get used to my food intake and learn it all over again. Once I got the hang of it I was able to have more energy and do more things without getting tired right away.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I have taken B12, flinstones chewables, and calcium chewables

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

Right after surgery I had a lot of nasea and hair loss. I had a hard time sleeping and getting comfertable. This lasted about a month after my surgery. I kept thinking oh my gosh what have I done. You just live day be day and after the side effects go away and you start feeling better. Your clothes are fitting bigger and you notice the weight coming off, it motivates you to keep going.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The worst part was the first time I had to vomit. I was so afraid to vomit. I did not eat or drink anything because of my nausea so I learned real quick what to do!

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

At this time I am looking for support groups or programs.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I thought the scarring would be a lot worse. They are really not that bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost a lot of weight fast and within the first few weeks. It has been eight monthes now and I have lost 90 pounds. I noticed that I am now on a plateau and I hope it wont last much longer.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people treat me different now because I walk with my head up now. People notice me when I walk in the room and that makes me feel good. There will be some people who do not talk to me anymore because I have lost so much weight.